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Protect Southern Leyte,amazon of the seas

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The Southern Leyte coasts, bay and seas play a significant part of the Coral Triangle, dubbed as the earth’s Amazon of the Seas.


The Coral Triangle includes the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Solomon Islands; with the Philippines and Indonesia considered as the most fertile countries in terms of the world’s marine riches. More than 120 million people living within the coral triangle are dependent on the coral reefs for food, income and storm protection, according to World Wildlife Fund.

Southern Leyte’s shorelines of Maasin City, Macrohon, and Padre Burgos cradle splendid tidal flats, coral reefs, and mangroves. Sogod Bay, Silago, Cabalian Sea, Hinunangan Sea, and the islands of Panaon and Limasawa are likewise rich in diverse marine resources that nestle a variety of marine species, coral walls, coral garden and ridges.


Notable to mention among Southern Leyte’s marine resources are Panaon and Limasawa’s magical underwater coral formations, rare-colorful fish and shells, gentle whale sharks, and coral reefs hugging the coastlines from Maasin City poblacion to Barangay Guadalupe (Can-iwan).
Southern Leyte’s marine biodiversity has been affected by Typhoon Odette, but some private and public initiatives have been undertaken, like coral planting in Padre Burgos town to help replenish what have been damaged. Marine protected areas in several municipalities have also been established and sustained.


However, the significant contribution of Southern Leyte to the Coral Triangle as Amazon of the Seas is being threatened by the massive coastal road construction in Maasin City that is damaging the coastline reefs, hunasan tidal flat and mangroves.


Recognizing the critical significance of Southern Leyte’s marine resources to global sustainability of the Coral Triangle, two notable non-government organizations – Oceana and Coral Cay Conservation – embarked on marine protection initiatives in the province.
Likewise, the two Southern Leyte legislators, Representatives Luz V. Mercado and Christopherson M. Yap, initiated the passing of the Panaon Island Protected Seascape Bill, which focuses on biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and
sustainable development.


A Coral Triangle Initiative agreement between the coral triangle countries and Conservation International was also forged to combat the threats and monitor the actions undertaken. Conservation International works with governments, communities and other stakeholders to help them achieve sustainable change.


The Southern Leyte constituents themselves, with the government and private leaders working in unison for the protection of Southern Leyte’s natural bounty will save and sustain the Amazon of the Seas. (Gloria Markines Reyes, Source: coraltriangle.org,)

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